1928 Vintage Spalding “First Baseman” Figural Baseball Trophy

Spalding baseball trophy, often identified as the "Fielder- First Baseman" Spalding trophy, dating from circa 1928. This is one of five different extraordinary Spalding figural trophies issued in the 1920s and 1930s, all of which are exceedingly rare today. The offered trophy is the seldom-seen variety for this particular pose. The metal trophy features a first baseman in the act of stretching to catch a throw as he strains to keep his foot on the base. The stand is lettered "Spalding Trophy" on the front, with a crossed bat-and-ball motif displayed in the center. The top panel of the ball is lettered "Won By" in raised relief, while the bottom panel displays the Spalding logo. The "sweet spot" of the ball is where the engraved name of the recipient would be present, however much of the original finish has worn away. The entire trophy sits upon a base. Although these trophies were sold by Spalding in its catalogs, they were actually crafted by renowned jewelers Dieges & Clust, as indicated by a tiny plaque on the front of the base that reads "Made by Dieges & Clust." As most collectors are aware, Dieges & Clust was also responsible for producing most of the World Series and All-Star Game press pins, and other various baseball awards, during the first half of the twentieth century. It should be noted that each of the five different Spalding trophies produced at the time are universally recognized as among the most majestic and stunning of all baseball figural displays. At the time, these trophies were very expensive, a fact which probably accounts for their rarity today. This is the first example of the "Fielder-First Baseman" trophy we have ever offered. In 2005 an auction house realized a final sales price of $19,720 for all five trophies. According to that auction house, they only handled a single other example to date. The trophy (approximately 11.5 x 4 x 11 inches) displays surface wear, including the loss of some of the original finish to the metal components, and some scratches to the black base. In Very Good condition overall.